by Debbie Robus

Created on: August 21, 2010   Last Updated: August 22, 2010

There is a natural "merge" on the horizon ... the increasing number of people in the demographic known as "Baby Boomers" and the growing group of elderly seniors who need caregivers.  It's inevitable that the twain shall meet. 

These groups will generally fall into one of two camps:  1) the Boomers who are caring for an aging family member; and 2) the Boomers who are seeking a second career or a post-retirement employment opportunity.  Either way, there is plenty of caregiving to go around, and Boomers are meeting the need in ever-growing numbers.

What should Boomers know? 

 On the surface, becoming a caregiver to an elderly seniors sounds great.  How hard can it be?  Drive the senior to a few appointments, buy groceries and help them with housekeeping and yard work.  A few extra bucks may even be earned to supplement retirement pensions.

In reality, there is often a lot more to caregiving for elderly seniors than running a few errands.  Aging adults can be moody and fickle ... even downright demanding.  What starts as helping to change a light bulb or repairing a leaky faucet and buying a few groceries one day a week can develop into a full-time job, catering to daily whims and "needs."   And often, the caregivers discover that the elderly adult genuinely needs much more assistance than was first anticipated.

Pay may be possible, particularly if you establish an agreement initially or initiate your services in the form of a business venture.  But for those who are caring for an elderly family member, pay is often either not possible, or the caregivers can't bring themselves to ask a relative to pay for their assistance.

Additionally, many elderly adults need much more than a ride to the doctor's office or hairdresser.  While Home Health care can be engaged to attend to medical and personal needs - bathing, monitoring blood pressure and general health, and light housekeeping - these agencies cannot assist with business and financial matters.  So often, an elderly adult needs someone to help pay bills, balance the checkbook, fill out insurance forms, negotiate for Medicare Part D Prescription coverage, serve as a liaison with physicians, and more.  And these responsibilities can take a lot of time.

How should Boomers proceed?

If a Boomer is thrown into the role of caregiver of a friend or loved one due to a series of unfortunate events, it may

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